Crookston Hotel Rock Attack Leads to Felony Charge
Crookston (trfnews.i234.me) — A man faces a felony assault charge after an alleged attack inside a Crookston hotel.
Wilber Arnulfo Cartagena-Hernandez is charged with second-degree assault involving a dangerous weapon.
The charge stems from an alleged July 23, 2026, attack at the Crookston Inn.
Prosecutors allege three men entered a coworker’s hotel room during a dispute involving their construction crew.
Worker Reports Hotel Room Attack
According to the complaint, the group was staying in Crookston while working on grain bins.
Two workers had reportedly been fired, while Cartagena-Hernandez had quit the crew.
The alleged victim is identified in court documents only as A.M.C.
A.M.C. told investigators that three men entered his hotel room that evening.
He alleged Juan Jose Erazo Herrera struck him in the head with a rock.
A.M.C. said Juan Carlos Alberto-Serrano and Cartagena-Hernandez held his arms during the attack.
He also told investigators the men threatened to kill him.
The complaint says A.M.C. suffered a large cut near the front of his head.
He later went to a hospital for treatment.
Surveillance Video Cited
Investigators reviewed hotel surveillance video as part of the case.
The video allegedly showed the three men entering the same hotel room together.
Court records say Alberto-Serrano was earlier seen carrying a white towel.
Investigators later found a tied white towel containing four golf-ball-sized rocks.
The complaint says the towel also appeared to contain blood stains.
Cartagena-Hernandez was arrested on July 26, 2026.
Felony Charge Carries Up to Seven Years
Cartagena-Hernandez faces one count of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.
The charge carries up to seven years in prison and a possible $14,000 fine.
Prosecutors also notified the court that they may seek an aggravated sentence.
They cited the alleged participation of three or more people in the attack.
They also cited the alleged attack occurring where the victim expected privacy.
Readers can review Minnesota’s second-degree assault law.
Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The case is filed under Polk County court file number 60-CR-26-1045.
The charge and supporting claims are allegations and do not establish guilt.
Cartagena-Hernandez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Copyright 2026 TRF News. All rights reserved.